SpecialistCondition · Dubai
Tennis Elbow Treatment in Dubai
Tennis elbow is a load problem in a tendon, not an inflammation to be waited out — which is why it often lingers for months when it is managed by rest alone. A specialist assessment establishes what the tendon is dealing with and what should change.
What it is
Tennis Elbow, explained.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a tendon condition affecting the tendons on the outer side of the elbow that straighten the wrist. It typically causes pain with gripping, lifting and twisting, and most cases have nothing to do with tennis.
The tendons that straighten the wrist share a single attachment on the outer elbow. When the demand on them exceeds what they are conditioned for, the tissue at that attachment changes in structure and becomes painful to load.
The name is misleading twice over: it is usually not caused by tennis, and the “-itis” suffix overstates the role of inflammation, particularly once it has been present for some months.
Golfer’s elbow is the same problem on the inner side of the elbow, affecting the tendons that bend the wrist. It is assessed the same way and discussed at the same consultation.
Common signs
What people usually notice.
- Pain on the outer elbow, sometimes down the forearm
- Pain gripping, lifting a kettle or shaking hands
- Tenderness to press on the bony point
- Weak grip, or dropping things
- Pain when straightening the wrist against resistance
- Discomfort that builds over weeks rather than starting suddenly
Signs overlap between conditions, and this list is not a diagnosis. What you have is established by examination, not by a checklist.
Assessment
How a specialist works out what is going on.
- 01
History
What changed before it started — training, work, a new activity — and how long it has been present.
- 02
Examination
The attachment is palpated and loaded with specific resisted tests. The neck and nerve are checked as alternative sources.
- 03
Imaging, if needed
Ultrasound can show the tendon where the diagnosis is unclear or the picture does not fit. Most cases do not require it.
- 04
The plan
What to change in how you load the arm, what to do first, and what to review.
What may be considered
Options a specialist may discuss with you.
Which of these is appropriate — if any — depends entirely on what the assessment finds. They are described here so you know what the conversation may cover, not as a menu to choose from.
- Ultrasound-Guided InjectionsWhere an injection around the tendon is considered appropriate, imaging lets the clinician see the structure and the needle together.
- PRP for Joints & TendonsAn injection prepared from a concentrate of your own blood, considered case by case for tendon presentations.
- Exosome Therapy for JointsA regenerative-category injectable, discussed only where a specialist considers it suitable.
When to be seen
Don’t wait this one out.
Have it assessed if the pain has not settled after a few weeks of reduced loading, if grip strength is noticeably down, or if there is numbness, tingling or pain travelling into the hand — that pattern points elsewhere and should be checked. Elbow pain following a fall should be seen promptly.
Questions
Good to know.
Is this the same as golfer's elbow?
Should I just rest it?
Will an injection cure it?
How much does it cost?
Licensed & Regulated
DHA-licensed. MOHAP-approved.
Every treatment is delivered at Shookra, a DHA-licensed medical facility in Dubai. Every physician and clinician on our team is DHA-licensed and works to clinical protocol. Our health communications are independently reviewed and approved by the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP).
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Get it assessed properly.
Message our team on WhatsApp and we’ll arrange a specialist consultation in Business Bay — assessment first, options after.